By Ebi Kesiena
The Bandiagara region of central Mali has been thrown into mourning following coordinated attacks on two villages by armed men, in the latest wave of violence to hit the troubled region.
The attacks, which occurred recently, targeted Kori Kori village in the Dugombo commune of Bandiagara district and Gomossogou village in the Lessagou commune of Diallassagou district.
Regional Governor Olivier Diassana condemned the assaults, describing them as “barbaric and cowardly” attacks deliberately aimed at terrorising residents and undermining growing hopes for peace in the region.
Speaking to local communities, Diassana said the near-simultaneous nature of the attacks showed they were carefully planned and coordinated.
“These terrorist attacks targeted these two villages at the same time,” he said. “This proves the coordination and shows that these attacks were deliberately carried out to demoralize the people of the region who were beginning to truly believe in the possibility of peace.”
Authorities have yet to release an official death toll, though the governor acknowledged that the attacks caused “heavy losses on both sides” and left several people wounded. Local reports indicate that dozens may have been killed, but regional officials have not confirmed the figures.
“It is with a heavy heart that I speak to you,” Diassana said while extending condolences to grieving families.
According to authorities, the injured have been evacuated to health facilities in Bankass, Sévaré and Bandiagara for treatment.
A joint delegation comprising administrative officials and defence and security personnel has also been deployed to the affected communities to support bereaved families, assess urgent humanitarian needs and assist with funeral arrangements.
The governor disclosed that financial assistance had been provided to victims’ families, while the regional reconciliation support team continues to engage with affected residents in a bid to calm tensions and prevent reprisals that could further destabilise the area.
Diassana urged residents not to succumb to fear and called on traditional rulers, elected officials, civil administrators and community leaders to remain united in support of the Malian Armed Forces.
“We will not give up,” he declared.
He added that the security situation was “under control” and said military operations were ongoing in the affected areas, which are receiving heightened attention from security agencies.
The Bandiagara region remains one of the areas hardest hit by insecurity in central Mali, where armed groups have for years carried out attacks on villages, roads and security outposts.
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, facing deaths, displacement and restricted access to farms, markets, schools and healthcare services.
The latest attacks come despite ongoing military operations by Malian authorities across several regions of the country. However, security challenges persist in central Mali due to the vast rural terrain, the mobility of armed groups and the vulnerability of isolated communities.
For residents of Kori Kori and Gomossogou, the immediate focus remains mourning the dead, caring for the wounded and preserving fragile community cohesion after yet another deadly episode of violence.
Regional authorities have appealed to residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces and report suspicious movements as fears grow over renewed instability in the region.
